I wonder what people want from AI in racing games.
Need for speed has extreme rubber banding and aggressive drivers to keep the race interesting. They definately don't adhere to the same physics as your car.
F1 2010's AI almost magically moves out of the way when you make an aggressive pass, as if they're not bound by the same physics as you.
Forza 3 and GT5's racers are bound by the same physics. If you brake suddenly or more then expected, chances are they can't avoid you. They also can't suddenly move out of the way in the corner as in F1 2010. At least they actually race you now and try to make passes (if your car is in the same performance range). Except for the challenges where you have to pass everyone in 1 lap, not realistic at all.
Real races are quite long and boring to watch, not a lot of passing going on. No starting last and passing everyone to finish first. Just a long train of cars 90% of the time. Bump another car and make it to the pit with a bent spoiler, pretty much losing the race.
Simulate online players behaviour? I hope not.
The only improvement I see is to keep the races interesting by providing some competitive cars instead of allowing you to enter with a 1257hp Bugatti Veyron when the best car on the starting grid tops out at 600hp. Most races either turn into time trials or looking at the back of the pack.
